Interview with Sarah E. Ladd & GIVEAWAY

Sarah E. Ladd has always loved the Regency period — the clothes, the music, the literature and the art. A college trip to England and Scotland confirmed her interest in the time period and gave her idea of what life would’ve looked like in era. It wasn’t until 2010 that Ladd began writing seriously. Shortly after, Ladd released the first book in the Whispers on the Moors series. Book one of the series, The Heiress of Winterwood, was the recipient of the 2011 ACFW Genesis Award for historical romance. Ladd also has more than ten years of marketing experience. She is a graduate of Ball State University and holds degrees in public relations and marketing. She lives in Indiana with her husband, daughter, and spunky Golden Retriever.

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Savanna: Welcome to The Engrafted Word, Sarah! And Congratulations on your newest release, A Lady at Willowgrove Hall. Another stunning cover! Can’t wait to read it!

What was your favorite part about getting to know – and write – Cecily and Nathaniel? Did they surprise you or teach you an important lesson along the way?

Sarah: When I sit down to write a book, I have a pretty good idea of what is going to happen as far as the plot is concerned, but I don’t always know my characters very well — for example, I don’t usually know their physical characteristics, their personalities, their likes and dislikes, etc. For me, it is always fun to drop a character into a situation and then see how that character reacts and evolves. Sometimes, they do surprise me — I think I know what is going to happen in the story, but I have to alter my plan because the character that has developed simply would not act in that way.

Savanna: What are your plans for celebrating your new release?

Sarah: To celebrate a new release, we always go out for a family dinner!

Savanna: A dinner out is always fun!On your website, you mentioned traveling to some beautiful destinations. Has there been a particular place you visited that really inspired your writing?

Sarah: I would have to say that traveling to the Lake District in England is definitely the most inspiring place I have ever visited — especially since I write Regencies set in England! I definitely plan to go back one day.

Savanna: Wow! I bet it’s amazing. What would you say is the easiest part about being a writer and what is the hardest part?

Sarah: The easiest part about being a writer is being creative.

The hardest part about being a writer is being creative!

Some days, writing comes very easy — the words just flow, and on these days, writing is an absolute joy. Some days, I have a hard time getting words on the page. But this truth has taught me a crucial lesson about writing — it is important to write every day, even when you don’t feel like you can accomplish very much. For me, if I go a few days without writing, it is hard to get back in the groove, but the more frequently I write, I find it is easier to get myself “unstuck” when those hard days come.

Savanna: Great advice for those days of creative drought, huh? 😉 I know the feeling!

You’ve won multiple awards. What has been one of the greatest lessons and fondest memories from participating in these contests?

Sarah: I received my first writing awards when I was unpublished, and these were definite dreams-come-true for me! I had always wanted to be a writer, and the early contests were my first steps into this new world. They gave me confidence to forge ahead and to continue to strive for publication. My fondest memory was probably winning the ACFW Genesis Award for Historical Romance for my debut novel, The Heiress of Winterwood.

Savanna: That’s wonderful, Sarah. Thanks for sharing with us. It’s great to have you as our guest this week!

Readers, be sure to check out Sarah’s books and connect with her on the following sites:

About The Author

Savanna Kaiser loves writing and reading historical romance. Her recent work finaled in the Genesis (2018) and First Impressions (2018 & 2017) contests. She’s written over 50 published magazine articles, including a piece for Focus on the Family. She’s also a web designer, blogger, and the president of her local ACFW group. She and her husband love to hike, kayak, and explore Civil War battlefields, but their favorite days are spent at home in the Missouri Ozarks, entertaining their sweet two-year-old with lots of Legos and books. Visit her at www.SavannaKaiser.com

42 Comments

It’s good to see you here again, Carisa! I’m glad you enjoy my blog. Good luck in the giveaway. You’ll receive 3 entries. Hope your family is doing well. Next time you visit, I’ll have to send some books home with you. 🙂

Thanks for the interesting interview, Sarah and Savanna!! I loved learning more about you and your writing, Sarah!! I’ve read wonderful reviews of each of your books, haven’t read any of your books and would love to read “A Lady at Willowgrove Hall”!!

bonnieroof60(at)yahoo(dot)com
I am a blog subscriber, a FB follower, and have shared this post!!

I’ve just recently started reading a lot of Regency era books (all Christian of course!) & it seems I can’t get enough! I love the customs, the mind-set of the people & the high values held, especially between men & women. If only it were still that way in today’s culture! I would absolutely LOVE to win this book (did I mention I can’t get enough Regency era books, lol!). Sarah, thanks for a wonderful interview & Savanna for the feature author!

I have shared this giveaway on Facebook
I subscribe via email The Engrafted Word
I have Liked your author’s page on Facebook
Blessings to you both!
Trixi O.
teamob4[at]gmail[dot]com

Hi Trixi! So glad to hear you’ve been enjoying so many great Regency era books. You’ll love this series, then, I’m sure! Thank you so much for stopping in to comment. You’ll receive 4 entries in the drawing. Good luck, my friend!

I’ve got A Lady at Willowgrove Hall on my Goodreads To-Read list and my Amazon.com wishlist. After a trip to Scotland in May (where I met authors Carrie Turanksy & Cathy Gohlke) I have been reading up a storm! Have liked, shared, and subscribed! Thanks for your faithfulness to God’s call to write good books for us! There are so many out there that I wouldn’t want to read!!

Thanks for sharing, Susie! Your trip sounds amazing as well! Love to hear you’re “reading up a storm”! 😀 Keep it up! Hope you get to add this one to your shelf. You’ll receive 4 entries in the giveaway.